Transcript for Episode 3 | Kindness in Bloom: Celebrating Ridvan and the Bahai Faith

Transcript

Welcome to Faithfully Explore!

Laura: Hey there friends! Welcome back to Faithfully Explore! The podcast where we travel the world through stories, games, and big ideas to discover what people believe and how we can grow kinder and wiser along the way. I’m your host, Laura, and I’m so excited you’re here.

Spring Celebrations and Baháʼí Faith Introduction

Laura: What an amazing time of year this is! The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and there are so many wonderful celebrations that have been happening. Some of you might have celebrated Easter recently, maybe with painted eggs or a special family gathering. Others might have planted trees or cleaned up a park for Earth Day, helping to take care of this beautiful planet.

Did you know? That right now people who belong to the Baháʼí Faith are celebrating something really special called Riḍván. Riḍván is one of the most important and joyful celebrations in their calendar.

Today we’re going to explore the Baháʼí Faith. It’s pronounced Baháʼí. Can you say it with me? Baháʼí. Baháʼí. Great job. So find a comfy spot. Open your imagination and get ready for our journey into the colorful garden of the Baháʼí Faith.

Faithfully Explore! Intro: Faithfully Explore! is the name. Learning together is our aim. Beliefs around the globe we’ll track, filling up our Belief Backpack.

Maya’s Story: A Journey of Friendship and Unity

Laura: Maya was nine years old and had just moved to a new neighborhood with her family. She was nervous about making friends. What if the kids at her new school didn’t like her? What if they thought she was strange because her family was from another country? On her first day at school, Maya sat alone at lunch watching the other children laugh and play.

A girl with curly red hair noticed Maya and walked over.

Lua: Hi, I’m Lua. Do you want to sit with us?

Laura: Lua asked with a friendly smile.

Maya: Okay, thanks.

Laura: Maya said shyly following Lua to a table where several other children were sitting.

Lua: Everyone, this is Maya.

Laura: Lua announced.

Lua: She’s new here.

Laura: They all smiled and waved at Maya. After school, Lua invited Maya to visit her home.

Lua: My grandmother is teaching us about gardens today. Would you like to come?

Laura: Maya was surprised, but happy.

Maya: I’d love to.

Laura: When they arrived at Lua’s house, her grandmother was waiting in a beautiful garden behind the home. There were flowers of every color buzzing bees and butterflies fluttering all around.

Mrs. Emerson: Welcome, Maya.

Laura: Lua’s grandmother said warmly.

Mrs. Emerson: I’m Mrs. Emerson. We’re so glad you could join us today.

Laura: Maya noticed a strange symbol hanging above the garden entrance. A nine pointed star.

Maya: What’s that?

Laura: She asked pointing to the star, Mrs. Emerson smiled.

Mrs. Emerson: The symbol of our faith, the Baháʼí faith. The nine points represent the unity of all the world’s religions and all of humanity.

Lua: Unity means we’re all connected.

Laura: Lua explained.

Lua: Like the different flowers in this garden.

Laura: Mrs. Emerson nodded.

Mrs. Emerson: In our Baháʼí faith, we believe that all people are like flowers in one garden. Different colors, shapes, and sizes, but all beautiful and important.

Laura: She invited the girls to help her plant new seeds as they dug their hands into the soft earth. Mrs. Emerson continued teaching.

Mrs. Emerson: Just like a garden needs different plants to be healthy and beautiful. Our world needs different people with different ideas, cultures and beliefs.

Maya: But what if people don’t get along?

Laura: Maya asked, thinking about how nervous she’d been at school.

Mrs. Emerson: That’s where kindness and justice come in.

Laura: Mrs. Emerson explained.

Mrs. Emerson: Baháʼís believe that kindness is like water for the garden of humanity, and justice is making sure that every flower gets what it needs to grow strong.

Laura: The following weekend, Lu invited Maya to a special celebration at the local Baháʼí Center. It was called Ayyám-i-Há, a time of joy, gift giving, and service to others. When Maya arrived with her parents, she was amazed to see people from all different backgrounds gathered together. Some were singing songs in different languages.

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Laura: Others were preparing food to deliver to a homeless shelter, and children were making cards for people in nursing homes. Raj from school was there too. He waved at Maya and introduced her to his parents.

Raj: The best part of being Baháʼí.

Laura: Raj told her.

Raj: Is that we get to celebrate serving others. My dad says when we help people, we are showing our love for God.

Laura: Maya helped make sandwiches for the homeless shelter and created beautiful cards with the other children. For the first time since moving, she felt like she belonged somewhere. At the end of the celebration, everyone gathered in a circle to pray. Maya listened as prayers were read in different languages, English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and more.

Bahai Prayer: प्रभुने फिर प्यासी धर्ती

Lua: We believe all religions come from the same God.

Laura: Lua whispered to May.

Lua: Just like light from the same sun shines through different windows.

Laura: Maya thought about what she had learned from the Baháʼí Garden. Every person was like a unique flower, and together they made the world more beautiful. That night, Maya told her parents about her new friends and what she had learned about the Baháʼí faith.

Maya: I think I understand unity now.

Laura: She said.

Maya: It’s like we’re all different instruments in one band playing different notes, but making beautiful music together.

Laura: Her father smiled.

Maya’s Father: That’s a wonderful way to think about it, Maya. When we recognize our connection to others, we create harmony in the world.

Laura: And from that day on, whenever Maya saw someone new or different, instead of feeling afraid, she remembered the garden of unity and looked forward to discovering the unique beauty they would add to her world.

Understanding Baháʼí Beliefs and Practices

Laura: Can you picture a world where everyone works together, no matter where they’re from or what they look like?

A world where people from different countries speaking different languages all see each other as part of one big human family. That is what Baháʼí’s believe is possible.

Some of your friends might be Christian, others might be Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist. The amazing thing about the Baháʼí faith is that it recognizes and honors all of these religions. The Baháʼís believe that there is one God who has set many different teachers throughout history to help people learn and grow.

Think of it like having different teachers as you move up through school grades. Each teacher builds on what you learned before, but teaches you new things too.

These special teachers include people you might have heard of before, like Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Jesus, and Muhammad. Baháʼís believe that about 180 years ago, God sent a new teacher named Baháʼu’lláh, which means “The Glory of God”. Baháʼu’lláh taught that it’s time for all people on earth to understand that we’re one big family.

One of the most important beliefs in the Baháʼí faith is unity. Unity means coming together as one. Baháʼís belief in the unity of God, the unity of religion, and the unity of humanity. That’s a fancy way of saying that they believe all people are equal and important no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what language they speak.

I want you to hold out your hand and look at it. Wiggle your fingers. Notice how each finger is different. Some are long, some are short, some are thin, some are thick. Your thumb looks different than your pinky. Right? Here’s what to do next. When I say a task, think about which fingers you would use to complete it.

Ready? How about picking up a pencil? Tying your shoes, throwing a ball, giving a high five. Did you notice that for most tasks, you needed more than one finger? Sometimes you needed all of them working together. Your fingers are all different, but all belong to the same hand, and they all help you do amazing things together. That no single finger could do alone. That’s just like our world. We need all kinds of people with different talents and ideas to solve problems and make beautiful things happen.

The Baháʼís believe that boys and girls, men and women, are equally important and should have the same opportunities in life. They say it’s like a bird needs both wings to fly. Humanity needs both men and women to be treated equally for our world to soar.

Baháʼí’s believe that one of the most important ways to make the world a better and more peaceful place is by getting rid of prejudice. Now, prejudice is a big word, but it simply means treating someone unfairly or unkindly just because they’re different, like because of the color of their skin, where they come from, what language they speak, or even what they believe.

Our world is more amazing when we all treat each other with love and respect no matter what our differences are. When we can eliminate prejudice and see each other as one big human family, we can build a world full of friendship, fairness, and peace.

According to the Baháʼí faith education is incredibly important for everyone. Regardless of who you are or where you come from. They think that going to school, asking questions, and discovering new things helps us grow into kind and helpful people.

Baháʼís also believe that science and religion are like best friends. They both help us understand the world around us. Science teaches us about how things work, like plants growing or stars shining. And religion teaches us how to be kind, fair, and caring. Together they help us learn how to make the world a better place.

If you believe in being kind to others, in treating people fairly or in taking care of our earth, you already share some values with the Baháʼí faith. Even if your family follows a different religion or no religion at all, you might find that you have more in common with the Baháʼís than you thought. Baháʼís pray every day, just like people in many other religions. They have sacred writings and books that they read to learn more about how to live good lives, and they gather together in each other’s homes or in buildings called Baháʼí Houses of Worship, to learn and pray together just like others do in churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples.

The Festival of Riḍván

Laura: Now let’s talk about a very special festival that’s happening right now in the Baháʼí Faith. It’s called Riḍván. Have you ever celebrated a holiday that lasts for several days? Or Riḍván is a joyful 12 day festival that Baháʼís all around the world are celebrating at this very moment. Well, depending on when you listen to the podcast, Riḍván is pronounced as res vawn and it means paradise in Arabic. This festival celebrates something really important that happened in a beautiful garden in Baghdad, Iraq in April, 1863. That’s over 150 years ago.

Back then Baháʼu’lláh. That’s another tricky but important name. Baháʼu’lláh is the founder of the Baháʼí Faith. Can you say that name with me? Baháʼu’lláh. Let’s try it. Ready? Baháʼu’lláh. Now. Faster. Baháʼu’lláh all by yourself. You got it. Baháʼu’lláh.

The founder of the Baháʼí Faith was being sent away from his home because some people didn’t like his teachings about unity and peace. Before leaving, he stayed in a garden for 12 days with his family and friends. While in this garden surrounded by roses and nightingales Baháʼu’lláh told his followers something very special. He announced that he was a messenger from God bringing new teachings for our time.

Imagine being in that garden. Look around. Do you see all the roses? Some of them are just tiny buds about to sprout. Others are in full bloom. There’s lots of different colors of roses all over. Look around. What colors do you see? Take a deep breath in. Hmm. Do you smell that sweet smell of flowers? Now listen,

do you hear the sound of nightingales?

Laura: It must have felt magical to hear such important news in such a beautiful place. But the most magical thing wasn’t the roses or the nightingales. It was the message. Baháʼu’lláh shared something incredibly special with his friends and family. He told them that he was a messenger of God sent to bring new teachings for a new time. Just like Moses, Jesus, Muhammad and Buddha brought messages to guide people. Baháʼu’lláh said it was now his turn to help the world grow kinder, more united, and more peaceful. That’s why Baháʼís all over the world celebrate the festival of Riḍván every year. It’s like the Baháʼís version of a spiritual birthday party

Today, Baháʼís celebrate Riḍván from April 21st to May 2nd. Each year, the first ninth and 12th days are considered the most special, and many Baháʼís take these days off from work or school to celebrate. During Riḍván Baháʼí’s gathered together for special prayers and celebrations.

They might decorate their homes or meeting places with flowers. Remembering that beautiful garden we just imagined. Some communities hold special festivals with music, art, and delicious food. Children might perform songs or put on plays about the story of Riḍván.

What Would You Plant? A Game of Values

Laura: Alright, explorers, it’s time to put on your gardening gloves. We’re going to grow some goodness. This game is called What would You Plant?

I’m going to give you a situation. You’ll choose one of two seeds to plant. Each one stands for a value. Then I’ll tell you what kind of plant grows from your choice. Let’s start playing What Would You Plant?

We will start with an easier one. Your family member asks you to take out the trash, but you’re in the middle of playing your favorite video game. What seed do you plant?

Do you plant the seed of service, which means you pause your game and take out the trash promptly?

Or do you plant the seed of excuses? You delay by saying, I’ll do it later and continue playing.

Laura: Ready for another scenario. Your friends are laughing at a joke that makes fun of someone’s culture or beliefs. They want you to laugh too. What seed do you plant?

Do you plant the seed of belonging, which means you laugh along so you’re not left out of the joke?

Or do you plant the seed of courage and you say it isn’t kind and that you shouldn’t say things like that?

Laura: If you planted belonging, a droopy plant grows. You fit in for now, but later you feel uncomfortable about it and the other person feels hurt.

If you planted courage, a brave rose grows. It’s hard, but your words stop the joke and others realize it wasn’t even funny. You might even inspire someone else to speak up next time.

Now let’s consider a different situation. You’re playing a game and you’re just about to win. When you realize you made a mistake, but no one noticed, what seed do you plant?

Do you plant the seed of honesty, which means you tell the truth, even if it means you’re now losing.

Or do you plant the seed of success? You keep quiet and win the prize.

Laura: If you plant honesty, a golden bloom of self-respect grows. You feel proud, and even though you didn’t win, others admire your honesty.

If you plant success, a flashy flower grows quickly, but wilts fast. You win the prize, but it doesn’t feel right in your heart.

You planted some really important seeds today. Like courage, responsibility, and even honesty. These aren’t always easy choices, but they help our garden grow strong and beautiful.

Belief Backpack Challenge: Planting Seeds of Kindness

Laura: All right, faithful explorers. It’s time for this week’s Belief Backpack Challenge, and it’s one of my favorites, yet I’m calling it Planting Seeds of Kindness. Why? Because just like tiny seeds grow into strong, beautiful trees, small acts of kindness can grow into something truly amazing. Here’s how it works.

Each day for seven days, you’re going to do one kind thing for someone else, like you might help a sibling. You might write a thank you note, or you could even just share a smile with someone you see. To help you along the way, I’ve made a special Kindness tracker.

If you choose, you can download it from my website, faithfully explore.com. Each day you’ll color in a seed or other picture to show that you did something kind that day. Then write or draw what you did. By the end of the week, you’ll have a whole garden of kindness.

And guess what? You don’t have to keep all that kindness to yourself. If you’d like, you can share one of your favorite kindness moments from the challenge. Ask a grownup to help you post it on Facebook or Instagram and tag Faithfully Explore! I love seeing your creativity and your beautiful hearts in action.

So are you ready to plant some kindness seeds and grow a garden of good deeds? I believe in you. Let’s spill the world with kindness one little seed at a time.

It is time to pack our Belief Backpack with some of the wonderful teachings we’ve learned today.

Laura: Today we’re adding three beautiful treasures from the Baháʼí faith that can help us in our everyday lives. First, let’s add the sparkling gem of unity. Baháʼís teach that humanity is one big family and we should treat everyone like they’re are brothers and sisters. Imagine wearing this unity gem, like a special pair of glasses that helps you see how we’re all connected. I’m carefully placing this first gem in our belief backpack. Now, can you hear it tinkling as it settles in? That’s the sound of unity.

The second treasure we’re adding is the golden key of justice and fairness. Baháʼís believe that for our world to be peaceful, everyone needs to be treated fairly. They work hard to make sure girls have the same chances as boys to learn and grow. When you share your toys with a friend. Stand up for someone being teased or make sure everyone gets a turn in a game. You’re using this golden key of justice. I’m putting this golden key into our backpack now. Feel how it makes the backpack glow with warmth. That’s the power of fairness.

Our third treasure for our Belief Backpacks is a special growing seed of learning and kindness. Baháʼís believe that education is important, not just learning math and reading, but also learning how to be kind and good people. They teach. That knowledge should also be paired with good actions. This seed reminds us to keep learning new things every day and to use what we learn to help others. As I place this seed in our backpack, listen closely, it makes it a little gentle humming sound. That’s because it’s already starting to grow.

You can take these treasures out of our imaginary backpack anytime you need them. Maybe when you meet someone new who sees things different from you, you can use the unity gem to find things you have in common. Or when you see something unfair happening, you can use the golden key of fairness to think of ways to make it right. Every time you learn something new, remember that that growing seed gets stronger when you use your knowledge to help others.

Connecting with Different Cultures and Beliefs

Laura: Before we zip up our Belief Backpacks completely, let’s visit a place we’ve been before. Our Friendship Bridge. Today we’re adding a few more bricks to help connect with friends from the Baháʼí Faith, or really anyone who has a different background or belief than you do.

One thing you could try is making something together with a friend- like a picture, poster, or play- that shows one of the Baháʼí virtues, like peace, love, or unity. You could even create a mini Garden of Joy with drawings of flowers where you write virtues on each flower. By working on a project together, you will have the opportunity to bond and develop your friendship.

Another powerful idea is to help others together. Whether you pick up trash at the park, write cheerful notes to neighbors, or gather food for families in need, doing something kind side by side helps friendships grow.

By making something with your friend or working together to help others, your bridge could get a little longer and a whole lot stronger.

Now let’s extend our bridge even farther to our friends, the first peoples of Australia. When you really take a look, it’s kind of amazing how much Aboriginal beliefs and the Baháʼí faith have in common.

For example, they both love the earth. Aboriginal Australians believe the land is sacred and full of spirit. It’s like the land itself is alive and part of the family. The Baháʼí Faith teaches that nature is full of clues about God and that we should take care of the earth like a precious treasure. So both traditions remind us to be gentle with the planet because it’s a gift we all share.

They also both tell powerful stories. Aboriginal people have Dreaming stories. Like we heard last week. Amazing tales passed down through generations that teach big lessons about life, right and wrong, and how to live with others. Baháʼís share stories too. Ones about kindness, fairness, and courage that help us all grow wiser. In both traditions, storytelling isn’t just for fun. It’s how we remember what really matters.

Aboriginal cultures and the Baháʼí faith both believe something really beautiful that we’re all part of one big family. Not just our parents and siblings, but everyone. Aboriginal stories teach that everyone is linked like a giant web of life. And Baháʼís believe that every person on earth is like a brother or sister, no matter where they come from. When we see the world that way, it’s easier to treat everyone with love and respect.

When we spot these connections between different beliefs, we’ve learn something really special, even if people live in different places or celebrate in different ways. Deep down, we’re all just trying to live life with kindness, purpose, and love.

The Hermit’s Hospitality: A Story of Kindness

Laura: Alright, dear listeners, I have a special story to share with you, A tale that’s been told by Baháʼí parents to their children for many years. It’s about kindness, generosity, and how even the simplest acts can bring immense joy. Let’s dive into the story of “The Hermit’s Hospitality”.

Long ago, Baháʼu’lláh was traveling through the countryside with his companions. As they journeyed, they passed near a quiet, rocky area where a hermit lived alone in a small cave. This hermit had heard that Baháʼu’lláh would be passing by, and he eagerly awaited the chance to see him.

When Baháʼu’lláh approached. The hermit, humbly knelt and said, “Oh my Lord, I am a poor man living alone in a cave nearby, but I shall count myself the happiest of mortals if thou wilt but come for a moment to my cave and bless it by thy presence.”

Baháʼu’lláh smiled warmly and replied that he would not only visit for a moment, but would stay for three days. He instructed his companions to set up camp nearby and followed the hermit to his humble dwelling inside the cave. They spent the day in conversation. As evening approached, the hermit became anxious.

He had no fine food to offer his esteemed guest, only some dry meat, coarse barley bread, and water from a nearby spring. He expressed his concern to Baháʼu’lláh, who reassured him by saying, “Do not worry, bring whatever food you have.”

They shared the simple meal together, and Baháʼu’lláh said that he had never felt more welcome, even in the grandest of palaces. The hermit felt that the food had never tasted so delicious, and it was enriched by the joy of his guest’s presence.

Baháʼu’lláh stayed for the full three days and upon departing, he remarked that he had never been more nobly, entertained, nor received greater hospitality and love.

This story teaches us that true kindness comes from the heart. It’s not about offering lavish meals or luxurious accommodations, but about the sincerity, love, and warmth we extend to others. Even the simplest acts when done with genuine care can bring immense joy and blessings. Remember, by simply being kind, you can make a big difference in someone else’s life.

Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Laura: We’ve discovered so many wonderful things on our adventure today, haven’t we? We learned that Baháʼís believe all religions come from the same God, and that Baháʼu’lláh brought a special message about unity and peace. We found out about their beautiful festival of Riḍván that celebrates new beginnings and spiritual renewal.

And remember how we added those important lessons to our Belief Backpack? The unity of all people, treating everyone fairly, and the importance of education and kindness. Our backpack is getting fuller with each adventure we go on. Thank you so much for being such wonderful traveling companions today.

Your questions and imagination make our explorations so much fun. If you have questions about something we’ve learned about or something that you would like to learn about, you can always send them to faithfully explore@gmail.com.

Next time explorers. We’re diving into an incredible story that will get your hearts racing. We’ll be meeting Fauja Singh, a truly remarkable man who ran marathons- that’s 26 miles of running- when he was 100 years old. Can you imagine that some of us get tired just running around the backyard? Fauja Singh is a Sikh from India who became known as the turban tornado because he wears a turban as part of his Sikh faith. I think you’ll find fascia’s story super inspiring. So bring your running shoes, at least in your imagination, for next week’s faith-filled adventure.

Keep your hearts and minds open as you faithfully explore the world around you. Until next week when we meet the amazing Fauja Singh, remember that our differences make the world more interesting, that our shared humanity is what makes it more beautiful. This is Laura, your fellow explorer, wishing you a week filled with curiosity, kindness, and connection. See you on our next adventure!